What is meniscus repair.
The meniscus is a pair of C-shaped cartilage cushions in the knee that distribute load and protect the joint surfaces. Tears happen with twisting injuries (athletes) or as the tissue degenerates with age.
Two operations exist: repair (sew the torn meniscus together) or partial meniscectomy (trim away the torn portion). Repair preserves the cushioning function but requires longer recovery; trim is faster but takes tissue away forever.
Who it's for.
- Athletes and active adults with a twisting injury and confirmed meniscus tear
- Patients with knee pain, catching, or locking after activity
- Patients with a non-repairable tear causing mechanical symptoms
- Patients seeking a second opinion before partial meniscectomy
How Dr. Pradhan approaches it.
The first question is always: can we repair? Repairable tears (peripheral, vascular zone, longitudinal) get sewn back together. The data is clear that preserved meniscus protects the joint long-term.
When repair is impossible — central tears, complex degenerative patterns, poor tissue quality — we perform the smallest possible partial meniscectomy. Every millimeter of preserved meniscus matters.
For young patients with a complete meniscus loss and ongoing symptoms, meniscus transplant is a real option. We will discuss it openly when relevant.
What recovery looks like.
Repair: protected weight-bearing for 4–6 weeks, range of motion limits for 6 weeks, return to running at 3–4 months, return to cutting sports at 4–6 months.
Partial meniscectomy: weight-bearing as tolerated immediately, return to running at 4–6 weeks, return to most sports at 6–10 weeks.
Physical therapy follows a protocol matched to the operation actually performed — we tell you the plan before you go to sleep, not after.
Frequently asked.
Is meniscus surgery always necessary?
No. Many degenerative tears and some traumatic tears do well without surgery. We treat symptoms, not MRI findings — mechanical symptoms (catching, locking) and persistent pain after a conservative trial guide the decision.
Repair vs. trim — what determines the call?
Tear location (peripheral tears have blood supply and heal), pattern (longitudinal tears repair well; radial tears are harder), tissue quality, and the patient's age and activity level. We always try to repair when it's reasonable.
How long is recovery from a meniscus repair?
Most repair patients are back to running at 3–4 months and full sport at 4–6 months. Trim patients are typically back to most activities within 6–10 weeks.
Will I get arthritis after meniscus surgery?
The data is clear: removed meniscus accelerates joint wear. Repaired or preserved meniscus is protective. This is the core reason we work so hard to repair when possible.